Couple sues for failure to diagnose cancer

Cancer is one of the most common and fatal diseases in our modern world. As more Connecticut residents are affected by the disease, experts say that medical malpractice suits may rise for oncologists and other related physicians. This is because doctors sometimes fail to diagnose or identify cancerous lesions, a dangerous situation that can cause rapid physical deterioration. One East Coast couple is suing the man's physician for his failure to diagnose the victim's cancer.

Tumors and lesions can generally be detected by a variety of radiological procedures, such as CT scans or MRIs. The radiologists who interpret these results are critical links in the chain of care for cancer patients, in addition to personal physicians. If either person makes a mistake and fails to identify cancerous cells, dire consequences can result. Cancer's unpredictability and tendency to spread quickly make these diagnoses even more vital.

Treating physicians are bound to abide by accepted treatment methods for certain ailments. If they do not provide skillful, attentive medical care, they can make serious errors. The physician in this case is accused of failing to diagnose the man's condition, which led to serious injury. The personal injury suit filed by the couple alleges that the man suffered a near-fatal delay in the treatment of his cancer, a situation that caused the pair emotional distress as well as pain and suffering. Furthermore, the wife in the case is claiming that she lost spousal consortium with her husband; in other words, she was unable to maintain a satisfying relationship with him.

Damages awarded in this suit could be used to pay outstanding medical bills. They could also be allocated to pay for the couple's legal fees. Punitive damages could be awarded to punish the doctor for his poor decision-making. That money would be useful for the victim's long-term medical care.